About Me
Ph.D. student in Computer Science & Engineering at The Ohio State University with a focus on blockchain security, smart contract analysis, and malware detection. Experienced in full-stack development, agile collaboration, and academic publishing.
Education
The Ohio State University
Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering | Columbus, OH Aug 2022 – May 2028
- Advisor: Dr. Carter Yagemann
- Member of World 3 Cybersecurity Innovations Lab (W3CIL)
- NSF CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS)
Ohio University
B.S. in Computer Science | Athens, OH Aug 2018 – May 2022
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude
- Honors Tutorial College
- Advisor: Dr. Harsha Chenji
- Independent Studies: Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Technologies, Computer Security, Advanced Problem Solving
Work Experience
Trail of Bits
Intern | Brooklyn, NY Jun 2025 – Present
- Architected a general data flow engine in Slither, enabling extensible smart contract analyses beyond prior ad hoc approaches
- Built proof-of-concept modules, including a reentrancy detector and interval analysis, to validate the framework's versatility
- Presented findings to the Trail of Bits team, influencing future directions for Slither's security tooling
- Continuing in part-time capacity to contribute to blockchain security research and tool development
- Skills: Python, Solidity, Slither, program analysis, static analysis
The Ohio State University
Graduate Research Assistant | Columbus, OH May 2023 – Dec 2024, Aug 2025 – Present
- Supported by NSF SFS fellowship (Aug 2025 – Present)
- Developed agent-based simulations to detect smart contract flaws, informing key mitigation strategies
- Enhanced oracle smart contract detection using machine learning for robust risk identification
- Built a Python tool for Solidity range analysis, integrating static analysis and fuzzing techniques
- Co-authored research presented at the 32nd USENIX Security Symposium
- Peer-reviewed papers for IEEE S&P and USENIX Security Symposium
Graduate Teaching Assistant | Columbus, OH Aug 2022 – May 2023, Jan 2025 – May 2025
- Assisted in teaching C++ Programming and Information Security, grading exams, evaluating labs, and providing constructive feedback
- Conducted office hours to guide students through programming concepts and security principles
- Delivered a lecture on Information Security
- Simplified complex technical topics to improve student engagement and understanding
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Software Engineer Intern | Columbus, OH Jun 2022 – Aug 2022
- Developed AutoTune, a Java Spring Boot API prototype using DynamoDB to manage diverse vehicle data for vendors
- Built a React front-end for seamless vendor access to AutoTune's data
- Set up CI/CD with Jenkins and automated AWS infrastructure provisioning with Terraform
- Optimized performance through load testing with JMeter
- Documented API functionality in Confluence
- Skills: Java, AWS, React, Jenkins, Terraform, JMeter
Software Engineer Intern | Columbus, OH Jun 2021 – Aug 2021
- Developed APIs integrating voice-recognition software, enabling quick and secure caller verification
- Ensured API reliability through extensive testing (Postman, Splunk, JUnit, Mockito)
- Created SQL scripts for Oracle databases to support authentication workflows
- Led Scrum meetings, managed Jira boards, and presented in Sprint reviews
- Skills: Java, Python, AWS, Oracle SQL, Postman, Splunk, JUnit, Mockito, Jira
Publications
Your Exploit is Mine: Instantly Synthesizing Counterattack Smart Contract
Zhuo Zhang, Zhiqiang Lin, Marcelo Morales, Xiangyu Zhang, Kaiyuan Zhang
32nd USENIX Security Symposium (USENIX Security '23) Anaheim, CA — 2023 Read more
- Introduced STING, a method for real-time synthesis of counterattack smart contracts, enabling automated defenses against blockchain exploits.
Projects
Burnyard — The Ohio State University
Jan 2025 – May 2025
- Developed a lightweight dynamic malware analysis system deployable on a Raspberry Pi Zero
- Achieved 96.1% classification accuracy; 50x faster detection than traditional sandboxes while eliminating queuing delays
- Utilized a simulated kernel and machine learning for efficient, decentralized malware detection
- Selected to present at West Point
- Skills: Malware Analysis, Machine Learning, Linux
Slytherin — The Ohio State University
Jan 2024 – May 2024
- Developed Slytherin, a tool for range analysis within Solidity smart contracts, integrating Slither with Echidna to identify improper usage of binary expressions
- Created comprehensive documentation detailing installation and usage guidelines
- Benchmarked by identifying a vulnerability previously reported in a Code4rena challenge
- Skills: Solidity, Python, Slither, Echidna
Proofmatic — Ohio University
Aug 2021 – May 2022
- Developed a web-based platform for learning mathematical proofs, integrating LaTeX and Coq IDEs
- Led the project as Scrum Master and full-stack developer
- Collaborated with clients to gather requirements and provide regular project updates
- Skills: Node.js, TypeScript, React, LaTeX, Coq
CatMap — Ohio University
Aug 2019 – Dec 2019
- Developed an indoor navigation app to assist students in locating classrooms and navigating complex campus buildings
- Integrated real-time turn-by-turn directions with building maps and room data
- Skills: Java, Mobile App Development
Technical Skills
Programming
C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, React, Solidity, TypeScript
Miscellaneous
Linux, Shell (Bash/Zsh), LaTeX (Overleaf/R Markdown), Git
Soft Skills
Time Management, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Engaging Presentation
Achievements
- Demo Presenter – (Burnyard) ICDT Cybersecurity & Digital Trust Research Symposium, The Ohio State University, 2025
- Deputy Secretary – National Security Simulation, The Ohio State University, 2025
- 2nd Place – (Kubernetes Server Manager) Revolution UC, University of Cincinnati, 2020
- Best Environmental Hack – Hackaplachia, Ohio University, 2019
Languages
- Spanish – Native Proficiency
- English – Bilingual Proficiency
References available upon request.